You’ve probably heard the jokes. London is basically a giant grey cloud where people carry umbrellas like extra limbs, right? Honestly, it’s not always that dramatic, but if you’re trying to figure out what is weather in london england like before a trip, you need more than just a vague "it rains a lot" warning.
London has a temperate oceanic climate. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s rarely freezing and rarely boiling, but it’s almost always doing something. You’ll get four seasons, but they often decide to show up on the same Tuesday.
What is weather in london england like throughout the year?
If you look at the stats from places like the Met Office or WeatherSpark, the numbers are actually quite mild. The average high in the dead of summer is around 73°F (23°C), and in the middle of winter, it hovers near 48°F (9°C).
But here’s the kicker: humidity. Because London is relatively close to the sea and sitting on a river, 48°F feels a lot biting than the same temperature in a dry climate. It’s a damp cold. It gets under your coat.
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Spring (March to May)
March is a bit of a gamble. One day you’re seeing the first daffodils in St. James’s Park under a clear blue sky, and the next, you’re getting pelted with "April showers" that feel suspiciously like sleet.
- March: Highs of 53°F (12°C).
- May: Highs jump to 63°F (17°C).
This is arguably the most beautiful time. The city isn’t yet packed with summer tourists, and the "London drizzle" starts to feel a bit more poetic when everything is blooming.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is when the city truly wakes up. Locals lose their minds at the first sight of a 20°C day and swarm every patch of grass in Hyde Park.
The days are incredibly long. In late June, the sun doesn't set until after 9:00 PM. That gives you plenty of time for rooftop bars and evening strolls.
However, London isn’t built for heat. Most homes and older hotels don't have air conditioning. When the temperature occasionally spikes above 86°F (30°C)—which is happening more often lately—the Tube becomes a literal furnace.
Autumn (September to November)
September is often the "hidden gem" month. It’s frequently drier and warmer than June. But by October, the rain starts to pick up.
October is actually one of London’s wettest months, averaging about 2.2 inches of rain. It’s not a monsoon; it’s just a persistent, grey dampness. November brings the "big dark," where the sun starts setting at 4:30 PM and the air gets that crisp, bonfire-night chill.
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Winter (December to February)
Expect grey. Lots of it.
In December, the sky is overcast about 72% of the time. You’ll only get about one or two hours of actual sunshine a day.
Does it snow? Barely. When it does, the city basically stops functioning for 24 hours while everyone takes photos of a light dusting on a red phone box. Usually, winter is just 45°F and drizzly.
The "Rain" Myth vs. Reality
People think London is the rainiest place on earth. It’s really not.
New York City actually gets more annual rainfall than London. The difference is how it rains. NYC gets big, dramatic thunderstorms that dump an inch of water in an hour and then clear up. London gets a light, mist-like drizzle that lasts for six hours and makes you question your life choices.
Pro Tip: Don't bother with a massive umbrella. The wind in the "canyons" between city buildings will just flip it inside out. Buy a sturdy, compact one or, better yet, a good raincoat with a hood.
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Packing for the "Four Seasons in One Day"
Because the weather in London England is so fickle, your suitcase needs to be a masterpiece of engineering.
- Layers are everything. A T-shirt, a light sweater, and a waterproof outer shell will get you through 90% of London days.
- Waterproof shoes. Not necessarily Wellington boots, but something that won't soak through when you step in a puddle on Oxford Street.
- Sunglasses. Yes, even in winter. When the sun finally breaks through the clouds, it’s often very low and blindingly bright.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head out, check the BBC Weather app or the Met Office site. They are generally much more accurate for local microclimates than the generic weather app that comes pre-installed on your phone.
If you’re planning a trip, aim for late May or September. You’ll dodge the heaviest crowds, get the most "manageable" versions of the weather, and likely see the city at its most vibrant without the sweltering heat of an underground train in July.
Don't let the forecast ruin your plans. Most of London’s best stuff—the British Museum, the National Gallery, the cozy pubs of Soho—is indoors anyway. If it starts to pour, just duck into the nearest pub, grab a pint or a tea, and wait fifteen minutes. It’ll probably be sunny by the time you finish.